Marques Brownlee, the renowned YouTube tech reviewer known as MKBHD, has delivered a scathing review of the Humane AI Pin, a novel device touted as an always-with-you AI assistant. Brownlee’s critique is particularly harsh, labeling the AI Pin “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed”… for now. While some might interpret this as a resounding condemnation, Brownlee did manage to find a few redeeming qualities amidst the device’s plethora of shortcomings.
The AI Pin, revealed in 2023, bears a striking resemblance to a strapless Apple Watch, pinning itself to the user’s shirt. Its artificial intelligence and voice-activated interface, projected onto the palm, were touted as a revolutionary solution, potentially supplanting the traditional smartphone. But, alas, the device has failed to impress, prompting widespread criticism from tech reviewers and pundits.
Tom’s Guide has gone so far as to describe the AI Pin as a “disaster,” highlighting the device’s underwhelming performance and fundamental flaws. Initially, Brownlee was skeptical of the AI Pin, having only used it for a week. He found the interface to be cumbersome, with responses to voice inquiries often slow and inaccurate. Generative-AI chatbot technology, still in its infancy, seems to be a significant factor in the AI Pin’s struggles.
The device’s battery life is equally abysmal, lasting mere hours with heavy use, rendering it virtually unusable in most real-world scenarios. Moreover, the camera features left much to be desired, with photos and videos of subpar quality. The projector, intended to display text and images, is underpowered, making it difficult to discern written content when outdoors – and it only projects text and images in green, no less.
MKBHD’s Brutal Take on the Humane AI Pin
Despite these numerous shortcomings, Brownlee did find some modicum of usefulness in the AI Pin. He appreciated the ease with which voice notes could be recorded, even when engaged in activities like driving, and acknowledged the device’s potential for first-person videos. Brownlee’s benevolence is tempered, however, by his evident frustration with the AI Pin’s numerous flaws and limitations. Admirable as the effort behind the device may be, Brownlee cautions against buying into the promise of future updates, urging skepticism and a healthy dose of realism.
Ultimately, the AI Pin’s “long way to go” before it becomes properly usable might be a euphemism for the device’s being a step backward in the evolution of AI-powered personal assistants. Brownlee’s scathing review serves as a potent reminder that innovation, while vital, must be tempered by practicality and substance.
